polyester

1 of 2

noun

poly·​es·​ter ˈpä-lē-ˌe-stər 

ˌpä-lē-ˈe-

: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used especially in making fibers or plastics

also : a product (such as a fiber or fabric) composed of polyester

polyesterification

ˌpä-lē-e-ˌster-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

polyester

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by inelegant or unsophisticated middle-class taste

polyester suburbs

polyester folks

Examples of polyester in a Sentence

Noun

The shirt is made of polyester.

The sheets are a cotton and polyester blend.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shopping secondhand is also far more sustainable than purchasing a polyester outfit from a big-box store. — Allie Volpe, Vox, 29 Oct. 2026

The pilot study, funded by the National Cotton Council’s Cotton Foundation, involved 10 participants who wore cotton and polyester-containing T-shirts during daytime activities. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Majano notes that natural fibers, such as cotton, burn less quickly than polyester. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 2026

In the arena, knights in polyester tabards battle for the queen’s favor, hurling, stabbing, and slamming each other to the ground. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

poly- + ester

Adjective

from the assumed popularity of clothing made from polyester fabric among middle-class consumers

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyester

• ancestor
• arrester
• digester
• investor
• protester
• requester
• semester
• sequester
• silvester
• trimester
• ester
• esther

Kids Definition

polyester

noun

poly·​es·​ter

ˈpäl-ē-ˌes-tər

: any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated units of an ester and are used chiefly in making fibers or plastics